It’s no secret that a gas fireplace requires far less maintenance than a wood burning fireplace, but if you have a gas fireplace in your home, there are still a few things you should do on a regular basis to maintain your fireplace and ensure safety for all. There are also some maintenance steps that should be handled by a gas fireplace expert.
DIY Maintenance
Doing what you can to maintain your gas fireplace is very important. Regular upkeep will guarantee that your fireplace always looks great and functions at its highest level of efficiency. Here are a few tips to help you maintain your gas fireplace:
- Clean Fireplace Doors: Most gas fireplaces have removable doors. If the doors have residue buildup or smudges, remove them according to manufacturer instructions and clean the glass with window cleaner. If you encounter spots that don’t come off easily, a ceramic cook-top cleaner should do the trick. Be sure to dry the glass and wait at least 30 minutes after replacing the doors to start a fire.
- Vacuum: Clean the interior of the fireplace with a handheld vacuum or vacuum wand attachment. Dust and debris can build up over time, so it’s a good idea to remove it occasionally.
- Clean Gas Logs: If you have vented gas logs, follow the manufacturer instructions for removing the logs. Using a soft brush, dust off any soot or dust from the logs that has built up. Do not spray the logs with cleaner or use water to wipe them off. If your fireplace is not vented, then gas logs should not be removed at any time except by a qualified professional.
- Replace Batteries: Be sure to replace the batteries in the remote starter for the fireplace at least once a year. A good rule of thumb is to replace them at the same time you replace batteries in your smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.
- Schedule an Inspection: Schedule yearly inspections of your gas fireplace and chimney. A qualified chimney inspector will spot any safety issues with the fireplace, the chimney, and the gas lines.
Professional Maintenance
While it is important to complete your own maintenance routine for a gas fireplace, it is even more critical that you bring in a professional to inspect all parts of the fireplace and chimney on a yearly basis. So, what will a professional do during a fireplace service appointment?
- They will inspect the exterior of the fireplace to make sure that everything is intact and securely sealed.
- They will check the glass doors for cracks and ensure that the gasket seals on the doors are air tight.
- They will examine the gas logs for deterioration and discoloration and make recommendations if there is a need to replace one or more logs.
- They will test the gas ignition under the logs and clean the valves and ports to remove buildup.
- They’ll check for gas leaks and make sure that carbon monoxide detectors are working properly.
- They will vacuum the interior of the fireplace to remove debris and dust.
- They will inspect the external chimney structure and the inside walls around the chimney. They’ll look for signs of condensation which indicate a compromised structure.
Gas fireplaces are a wonderful convenience, and maintaining them is fairly easy. Keep that beautiful warmth and rest easy knowing that your fireplace is safe and clean. Call the professionals at Ed’s Woodshed today to schedule your gas fireplace inspection. Our technicians are dedicated to ensuring that you have a safe, efficient fireplace at all times. If you are looking for more information on gas fireplaces, please read our gas fireplace guide.
Since opening our doors in 1983, Ed’s Woodshed has added many more gas and wood fireplace products in Pittsburgh, including linear outdoor fireplaces. Products are only purchased from the best quality manufacturers, keeping standards high and customers always satisfied. The six manufacturers we partner with include Vermont Castings, Regency, Hampton, Majestic, Mendota, and Valor. Known for their excellence and proven durability,
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